Scholarships & Awards

Students may contact Dr. King for more information about the following scholarships awarded through the department:

J. Rupert Bryan Scholarship

The J. Rupert Bryan Scholarship is awarded to a political science major with financial need. Candidates must be able to demonstrate creativity, curiosity, and academic worthiness. Current award is $1200 per year (renewable for four years); amount of future awards are determined by annual market conditions. The Bryan Scholarships were created by his family to honor of his service as a Wilmington City Council member.

Complete the Financial Aid and Veterans Services Office scholarship application and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and return both applications to Dr. Masters.

James E. L. Wade Scholarship

The James E. L. Wade Scholarship in political science and history are awarded based on merit to political science majors who have a B average or above on university coursework, and financial need. Current award is $2000 per year (renewable for four years); amount of future awards are determined by annual market conditions. The Wade Scholarships were created by Mr. Wade, who was an early business leader and former Wilmington mayor.

Marla Rice-Evans Political Science Scholarship

The Marla Rice-Evans Political Science Scholarship is considered a merit scholarship and the recipient will be selected on demonstrated academic ability in accordance with the university's criteria for the award of merit scholarships. The recipient shall have been accepted into the Department of Public & International Affairs with a major in Political Science and a minor in International Affairs and shall have earned a 3.5 GPA in at least 6 hours in the International Affairs minor curriculum.

Consult your UNCW Undergraduate Catalogue for further information about these and other merit and needs-based scholarships.

Boseman-Tenhuisen Scholarship

Boseman-Tenhuisen Scholarship is reserved for members of the campus based B-GLAD organization whose membership is open to all students. It requires a minimum 2.00 GPA. A committee of organizational members selects the recipient. Applications should be made directly to the campus B-GLAD advisor. Complete the Financial Aid and Veteran Services Office web-based application to be considered.

International Cabinet Scholarship

International Cabinet Scholarship is for students who have been accepted into a UNCW study-abroad program that is approved by the Office of International Programs. It is a merit-based scholarship based on leadership potential and a demonstrated interest in international issues. Apply to the Office of International Programs.

Mae Rachel Freeman Scholarship

Mae Rachel Freeman Scholarship is awarded to a full-time student who has demonstrated leadership qualities, a record of community involvement, and the transcendence of personal hardship to enhance minority presence at UNCW. Recipients with demonstrated interests in African-American heritage are considered. Additionally, the scholarship is restricted to graduates of high schools in New Hanover, Bladen, Pender, Columbus, Onslow, Sampson, or Duplin counties.

The recipient will be expected to have researched information concerning Mae Rachel Freeman and her contributions to the community and is required to submit three letters of reference. Incoming recipients must have an overall high school grade point average (GPA) of 2.80 on a 4.00 scale. Currently enrolled university students must have a 2.80 GPA on all college/university academic work. Complete the Financial Aid and Veterans Services Office web-based application to be considered.

Wilmington Rotary Club, Downtown Scholarship

Wilmington Rotary Club, Downtown Scholarship is awarded annually to two undergraduate students who demonstrate academic strength, good character and financial need. One scholarship is awarded to a North Carolina student in good standing in the Honors Scholars Program and the Office of International Programs awards one scholarship.

Unless otherwise noted, the scholarship application deadline is February 15th. When the notation "No application required." appears, students will be automatically considered from university records. Most scholarships are awarded in the late spring or early summer for the upcoming academic year.

Each Spring semester, at the PLS Annual Awards Banquet, the following merit awards are presented:

• Pi Sigma Alpha, a national political science academic-honors society. See member criteria. If you feel that you meet the requirements but have not been contacted by PIA email Dr. Aaron King to discuss your eligibility for this honor society.
• The James C. Dixon Award, given to a graduating senior in political science, selected by the PLS faculty
• Departmental Honors, recognizes those PLS seniors who are graduating with University or Departmental Honors
• Degrees with Distinction, recognizing those PLS seniors who are graduating
  • Cum Laude
  • Magna Cum Laude or
  • Summa Cum Laude
• The Departmental Distinguished Service Awards, given to PLS students who have successfully completed Raleigh or Washington internships or otherwise performed extraordinary service to the departmental, campus, or community
• The Distinguished Alumni Awards, given to PLS graduates who have distinguished themselves with service to their community, region, state, or nation.